Motorcyclist helmet fitted with a retaining device without chin strap

ABSTRACT

A protective motorcycle helmet is provided which has a collar or bead which is substantially concentric with the opening of the shell base of the motorcycle helmet. The perimeter of the collar is a constant and when the helmet is locked in a closed position can open at one point over its circumference in order to remove the helmet from a user and to place it on a user. At least one flexible element extends about the circumference of the helmet shell base. These flexible elements are connected to one end to the helmet shell and at the other end to the collar. This ensures connection between the two elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a motorcycle helmet which is fittedwith a retaining device which allows it to improve its position on auser as well as assuring that it will remain on the user.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Conventional helmet fasteners comprise a simple chin strap comprised oftwo ribbons of material or strips of leather which are integrallyattached at one of their respective ends to the base of the helmet shelland at two lateral points away on a on an opposed portion of the shell.Free ends of the ribbons or strips fit together under the chin of theuser and are attached by a buckle or other suitable element. Besides thefact that these types of helmets do not offer protection for the lowerpart of the chin of the user, this uncomfortable apparatus is even moreso when tightened to a degree sufficient to insure that it willeffectively will maintain the helmet on the user. Even in this case, thepoints at which the chin straps are anchored to the helmet shell are alloffset with respect to the transverse median plane of the brain pan of auser, and the helmet will therefore have a tendency when it undergoes ashock to rock frontwardly from the back of the helmet after it rotatablymoves about an axis which extends generally near the ears of the wearerof the helmet. Such an apparatus does not prevent the helmet fromleaving the head of the user when the helmet undergoes a simple shock orafter bouncing. Moreover, when the helmet undergoes a pulling forcedirected from the base of the helmet towards its top, the force isintegrally transmitted to the lower portion of the chin of the user, thepressure being dangerous to the weak surface of the chin strap throughwhich the pressure is applied. This apparatus is as uncomfortable as itis dangerous and has previously been improved by the use of a helmetfastening apparatus which essentially comprises a rigid skirt formed asan extension of the base of the helmet shell and which comprises twojournalled sections, one located in the front of and the other behind,the shell. These two sections are locked by their moveable ends alonglateral zones of the same shell. Even this apparatus, however, isinconvenient. The elements which permit activation of the lockingapparatus are easily accessible from the outside of the helmet, and whenthey undergo a shock can contact the rough portion of the ground, withunlocking and possible opening of at least one section of each halfskirt resulting therefrom. In addition, when the helmet is put on andremoved, particularly if the user of the helmet is dressed in hotclothes such as pullovers or jackets having turned up collars (which isnormal for a motorcyclist), the users will be uncomfortable due to theamplitude of movement described by the ends of each half-skirt when itis opened and closed. The presence of small tongues, equipped with hooksand integrally attached to the ends of the rear half-skirt, render theoperation more delicate, since garments, e.g., sweaters, often rip whenone of the hooks unfortunately engages a stitch of such garment. Lastly,the use of a rigid skirt makes it necessary to provide protection forthe neck of the user against contact with the section of the skirt via ashock absorbing system and a thick, flexible from filling which isinterposed between it and the neck of the wearer of the helmet. Becauseof this, the perimeter of the section defined by the edge of the skirtis itself substantially greater than the perimeter of the neck that itis intended to surround. Retention is thus not assured in an effectivefashion, particularly at the front of the helmet, except by the flexingfoam filling resting along its upper surface against the lower surfaceof the chin of the user. Even the smallest shock which exposes thehelmet to a torque suffices to deform the filling in such a way that theuser can see his helmet if not removed from his head, at least rockforwardly from the rear until the retention system rests against thelower surface of his nose. Such a situation is at least uncomfortableand dangerous, particularly if the user wears a pair of glasses, theupper portion of the glasses potentially being crushed against theeyebrow ridges. Additionally, helmets of this type cannot benefit fromanti-theft systems which have been adopted by all manufacturers ofmodern motorcycles and which simply consist of an anti-theft hookintegrally attached to the machine and provided so that a user can hookthe metallic buckle of the helmet thereto, simply attaching it into thechin strap of all ordinary protection helmets. Such a system is noteffective for all tests, as it is easy for a potential thief to cut thechin strap in order to steal the helmet. However, this apparatus reducesthe risk of theft by a certain degree, and is particulary advantageousin having been adapted unanimously by the manufacturers of motorcycleswithout imposing on the helmet manufacturers the requirement to modifytheir products. It can thus be seen that all owners of helmets finishedwith a fastening apparatus without a chin strap, and thus without anattachment buckle, cannot use the anti-theft hook with which motorcyclesare equipped; instead they all must buy a supplemental, anti-theftaccessory which is expensive, heavy and cumbersome and which generallyconsists of a large chain or metallic buckle extending on one handaround the chin portion of the helmet for protection and on the otherhand around the stationary portion of the motorcycle. These helmets arealready among the most expensive on the market, requiring additionalcost for such an anti-theft accessory, or failing that, obligating usersto walk around with their helmets at each stop. This causes a fairlylarge number of potential customers to opt for a conventional helmetwhich is equipped with a fastening apparatus without a chin strap.

The helmet of the present invention benefits from an improved fasteningapparatus, which according to the variations envisioned, avoids all ofany of the shortcomings inherent in prior techniques and insures thatthey are able to completely fulfill the role of protecting the brain panof the user, regardless of the forces that it can undergo during asimple shock or after bouncing, particularly during a fall.

According to a preferred variation of the invention, this apparatus ischaracterized in that it essentially comprises a bead substantiallyformed in the shape of a toroid, concentric with the opening defined bythe lower end of the helmet shell when the helmet is closed. This beadis connected to the shell base by means of one or more flexibleelements, and comprises one or more sections which are assembled end toend when the helmet is closed, and which thus form a type of collarabout the neck of the user, the base of the face of the user and hisskull thus resting against the upper surface of the collar. The helmetis locked in a closed position, and in the perimeter of the bead cannotbe changed. Each of the sections which comprises the entire bead caneither be rigid or formed from a flexible material, at least in a planeparallel to that of the shell base; they are not extensible, flexibleand elastic, but are instead equipped with a flexible core, at least ina plane which is parallel to that of the helmet base, which is notitself extensible. In all cases the bead is covered with a certainthickness of padding providing an element of comfort and security atleast in the areas of its outer surface which are likely to contact theuser. If the bead is formed by two or more sections, each of which canbe journalled (and particularly if the bead is rigid) at one of its endsto the end of an adjacent section, an end of at least one section isunlockable from the end of the section against which it comes to restwhen locked (this in order to permit the opening of the collar whichcomprises the closed bead). If the bead comprises two or more sections,the two ends of each section can be maintained stationary, and thehelmet closed and locked against one or more adjacent sections, therebycompletely unlocking (without journalling) and permitting the helmet toopen. In the case where the bead is a single unit and is split at asingle point (e.g., a flexible bead), the two ends defined by this splitcome to rest against each other and are held there by a locking system(e.g., a collar) and after having been unlocked can be moved away fromeach other (when the collar opens) due to the elastic deformation whichis imposed on the bead in order to proceed with removal of the helmet.

According to a simplified variation of the helmet in accordance with theinvention, the bead is flexible, which amounts to, e.g., a thin strip ofmaterial or leather, which is either flat or rolled.

According to a second variation, the bead itself only extends around asection of the perimeter of the collar, a complementary section of thecollar being a rigid skirt, either mobile or stationary, which isequipped with a filling; or only a section of the inner filling of thehelmet extends towards the shell base and towards the inside of thehelmet to form, e.g., a nape bead at the back of the helmet.

In this type of embodiment, the bead section itself can amount to, e.g.,two independent bead sections when they are in an open position andwhich are joined end to end, or from each end of an extension of thehelmet base when in a closed position. These bead portions are thusconnected or journalled at their other ends to an extension of the shellbase or to ends of the the naped bead with which they are associated.

According to one particular embodiment, the bead is rigid, in at leasttwo sections, each of which is journalled along a vertical axis carriedby an extension of the shell base. The opening of these bead portionscan automatically occur due to the action of an elastic apparatus, e.g.,a spring which causes this opening as soon as unlocking occurs.

In such an embodiment, each portion of the bead itself is extended,potentially along its entire length, by a rigid flap which joins thehelmet shell base and which is able, due to its complementary shape, tobe hooked when the helmet is locked in a closed position. The flexibleelements which were questionable are thus considered to be nonexistentin such case.

In all cases the ends of two adjacent sections can also becomestationary, or be journalled at each end of an intermediate rigid piecewhich is integrally attached with any of the following: an extension ofthe shelf; or with a rigid piece journalled to the shell base; or withan assembly of several rigid pieces journalled among themselves, atleast one of which is journalled to the shell base; or to a flexibleelement connected at its upper end to the shell base. The end of each ofthe sections, if it does not carry a journal cooperating with an end ofanother section, carries a bolt section which cooperates with acomplementary section which is integrally attached to an adjacentsection or with an intermediate piece between the sections and with theend of an adjacent section. In a case where each bead section isequipped with a flexible or nonextensible core, the bolt section whichis integrally attached to one end of the shell section can be carried byan end of the flexible core.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a flexible frame canalso be integrally attached, e.g. at its center or at its end, to thefollowing: a shell extension; or with a rigid piece which is journalledto a shell base; or with an assembly of rigid pieces which arejournalled among themselves and which are journalled to the shell base;or to a flexible piece which is connected to its upper end to the shellbase. In this case, one or more ends of the frame are engaged in atubular conduit which is located longitudinally within a bead sectionand which opens at the end of the bead section; in this fashion the beadcan slide about the frame during opening and closing of the shell. Eachfree end of the frame carries a bolt section which cooperates with acomplimentary section integrally attached to the end of the bead sectionor with an intermediary piece, against which the other ends of the shellsection which it intersects from end to end come to stop during closingof the helmet.

According to a second embodiment, each free end of such frame joins theend of one frame to the inside of the same bead when the helmet isclosed. In this case, each frame end carries an identical bolt sectionwhich cooperates with a complementary section integrally attached to thebead in order to permit the two ends to be joined to each other.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the bolt can be acylindrical piece which is bevelled and which includes a circular groovewhich has a reduced its diameter along a portion of its length. Thiscylinder is integrally attached to one of the sections to be connectedand is introduced during closing of the helmet into a complementaryhollow cylinder located in the other section to be connected. The sideof this hollow cylinder comprises a perpendicular side along its axisthrough which a tongue extends. The tongue can be biased by a spring andcan have a end which is directed towards the inside of the cylinder.This tongue end can have a semi-circular profile with an axis which isparallel to the axis of the cylinder and a diameter which issubstantially equal to the diameter of the hollow cylindrical portion ofthe zone which is reduced by the groove. In a locked position, thetongue will engage the groove of the cylinder and will prevent it fromdisengaging the hollow cylinder. Unlocking occurs due to a maneuveringelement which is integrally attached to the tongue and which permits thetongue to be pulled rearwardly towards the outside of the cylinder. Eachflexible frame is integrally attached to a rigid extension which isjournalled or flexibly connected to the shell base, and which slideswithin a tubular bolt section during opening and closing movements; thisdevice can be independent of the locking apparatus. Unlocking occurs dueto the existence of a maneuvering element which is integrally attachedto the tongue and which permits the tongue to be pulled rearwardlytowards the outside of the cylinder. Each flexible frame which isintegral with one of the rigid journalled or flexible extensions extendsfrom the shell base and slides within a tubular bolt section duringopening and closing movements which are independent of the lockingapparatus. Effectively, the importance of such frames, even if they lackbolts is that they are necessary for the beneficial use of the helmet inaccordance with the invention. Their essential function is to permittotal and ample opening movements of the collar and easy closing for thecollar while they transmit movement of the bead to the shell extensionand reciprocally ensure that the same elements are centered andcoincident when they come to rest against each other. According to oneembodiment, the flexible frame slides in the tubular bead which extendsthrough a bolt section which is itself tubular. It can be formedintegrally with the end of the bead, can extend across the tubular boltsection, and can be integral with the same extension and can bejournalled to the shell base as part of the frame itself, mountedconcentrically to the bolt section.

According to a second embodiment, the flexible frame is integrallyattached to an end of the bead and slides within another section of thebead, the journalled extension of the shell thus being removed.

According to a third embodiment, each flexible frame has a guidingelement which comprises telescopic strands.

According to another embodiment, if the flexible frame is integrallyattached to a shell extension comprising several rigid pieces journalledamong themselves and journalled to the base and to the front of thehelmet shell, when a hypothetical rear shock is undergone, the set ofjournals will not permit the various journal pieces to be stretched tothe maximum towards the inside of the helmet, thereby causing the collarassembly to pull back sufficiently to avoid the danger of rupture of thespinal column of the user due to the shock of the nape against the rearportion of the collar. At least one of the journalled pieces in thiscase is formed from two pieces or from telescopic blades which can bestretched by sliding or slippage of one with respect to the other. Anabutment apparatus is provided to prevent separation of the twopartially free pieces in translational motion and a spring is providedto permit, even the a violent force present, the pieces to be maintainedin a rest position and not stretched.

The connection between the bead and the helmet shell, with the exceptionof the case described above, is made by one or more flexible elements.

According to a first variation, the element is either flexible orelastic flap which is an extension of the shell base. The flap can besolid or perforated and can be connected to the helmet shell base inseveral ways: it can be connected by its upper part during molding, whena molded rubber flap is used; it can be connected by fastening or bywedging complementary shell and flap shapes; it can be connected bypinching two lips of the upper edge of the flap onto respective ends ofthe lower shell edge which are applied against the shell bycomplementary pieces, e.g., two flexible blades, one outside the other,on the inside of the helmet, which extend about the shell base along itsentire circumference and which are connected to each other by rivetswhich pass through corresponding openings extending along the twoblades, the two flap lips, and the edge of the shell; or it can beconnected by any other process which is capable of establishing aconnection, either temporary/collapsible or permanent, to effectively toresist substantial pulling forces. In the case of a molded elastic flapand an elastic bead, e.g., formed of rubber or any elastimer, the flapcan be formed with a shape which extends the bead obtained duringmolding. If not, the connection between the bead and the lower edge ofthe flap can be made by in any form and by any method capable ofinsuring an effective connection, either temporary or permanent, whichis also capable of resisting substantial pulling forces.

According to a first variation, particularly if the elastic flap isconnected to the shell base and to the bead over a substantial portionor the entirety of the circumference the movement in accordance withwhich the bead and the flap are elastically deformed in order to permitthe helmet to open being relatively complex. Thus, according to aparticular embodiment of the helmet of this invention, after a user hasunlocked the helmet he applies a torque to the bead or each section ofthe bead, which will tend to provide reversal of the torque towards theoutside of the helmet. During this maneuver, the flap generally workscompression in a zone in which forces are applied and by extension inthe zones which are spaced from this point. The forces internal to theflap permit the bead, from the moment when it passes under the shelloutside of the helmet, to establish a false balance position in movingto the outside of the helmet to be placed against the outer face of thehelmet. For closing, a force is applied to the bead which tends torelease it, thereby permitting it to spontaneously resume its closedposition if such is the true balanced position of the helmet. Theposition that the flap-bead assembly adapts for such constraints, e.g.,for use with a molded piece, is a position in the manufacturing molddefined as the true balance position. In this position, the internalforces to which the flap and the bead are subjected during their elasticdeformation are rendered null at either a greater or a reduced residualtension.

In accordance with another variation, the opening movement can also moveor simply occur in a single plane which is parallel to the shell basewhich extends by the open bead. The two defined branches on either sideof this opening are held apart from each other. This movement can againhave as many variations as there as possible types of embodiments. Thenature, quality, and planes in which the movement develop are influencedby, e.g., the choice of a true balance position, other than the closedposition, by the flexibility and elasticity of the bead, by the presenceof profiles or sections missing at the level of the flap or the bead; ineffect, in order that the apparatus can be maneuvered without too mucheffort, the flap should be split from its top to its bottom at least onetime, and it can also be split at two points along its circumference.Each of the splits dividing the flap and the bed can be replaced by thesimple supression of one of the bead sections alone, of the flap alone,or of both the flap and the bead. The elastic flap can also bereinforced at points, in the zones in which it will not be working inextension, by one or more flexible but non-extensible elements, e.g.material ribbons, or by including material or metallic wires whichconnect the upper part of the skirt (i.e., the helmet shell base to thelower part of the bead) following a path which cannot be eitherrectilinear or absolutely vertical. Moreover, each interruption of theflexible flap comprising the skirt (possibly having its edges or endscontoured) is reinforced by an increase in its thickness, e.g.,following the form of a cylindrical ring. Such thickening, if it doesnot define a rectilinear contour, is itself provided longitudinally witha wire or with a small cylindrical cable which is countersunk in itscenter.

In one particular embodiment, the flexible flap, especially if formedfrom rubber, extends along the exterior of the shell over its entiresurface. The helmet formed in this fashion has improved/aestheticqualities and shock absorbing potential. Thus, the outer surface of theshell and the objects which are able to contact it, i.e., a motorcyclebody, will no longer have to suffer from deterioration sufferedgenerally by such contents.

According to a second variation of the invention, the connection betweenthe helmet shell and the bead is insured by a least two flexible,non-extensible elements, e.g., material ribbons or leather strips.

According to a third variation of the invention, the connection betweenthe helmet shell and the bead is together insured by providing at leastone flexible, non-extensible element and over at least a portion oftheir perimeters, at least one or more flexible and elastic flaps, eachof which flaps is able to be reinforced at points by one or moreflexible, non-extensible elements.

According to a fourth variation of the invention, the position of theheight of the beads with respect to the shell base is adjustable. Thus,when flexible and non-extensible elements are used, e.g., materialribbons which operate the connection between the bead and the shell,metallic buckle elements or other analogous adjustment systems caneasily be used, in a similar fashion to the type of systems used inconventional chin straps.

According to a fifth variation of the invention, the perimeter of thebead in its closed and locked position is adjustable in order to adaptthe morphology of the user. This is particularly necessary where theouter padding of the bead is not sufficient to compensate for thedifferences in shape. In all cases, when the neck of the user undergoesa shock due to abutment with the section of collar formed by the bead,it is the entire bead, due to the flexibility and elasticity of one ormore elements which connect the element shell, which can move,terminating the concentric relationship of the opening defined by thelower shell edge. This performs a shock absorbing function, performed bythe elasticity of the bead padding, which is thereby insured about theperimeter of the bead, and thus the retention quality which it insuresis modified. In the case when the helmet undergoes a pulling forceexerted from the bottom towards the top, the bead is connected to theshell by one or more damped elastic elements which will again undergo ashock which moves downwardly, thus completely assuring the continuingretention of the helmet on the head of the user due to thenon-extensibility and the constant perimeter of the shell. Because theelastic flap is reinforced at points by one or more flexible,non-extensible elements as well as because the bead has one or moreextensions attached at several points thereof, or because they arejournalled in a rigid or flexible, non-extensible fashion with respectto the shell, the resistance of the helmet is increased due to suchpulling forces and limits the amplitude of elastic deformation thereof.

Moreover, if it is true that the non-extensible character of the bead,when in a closed position, is the guage of the optimal quality of theretention of the helmet on a user, it is no less true that the helmetcan still be operational with limits imposed by desired standards if thebead is extensible (although not excessively extensible).

In this way, according to one embodiment, the bead is formed from moldedrubber without a non-extensible frame.

The problem of aeration and ventilation of the interior of the helmetshas not previously been resolved in a satisfactory fashion due to thelimitations imposed by the requirements of surface of profiles on thesurface of helmet shell profiles which have been used. This is why inaccordance with one embodiment of a helmet according to the invention,the flexible skirt is extended in each of two lateral zones, or thefront lateral zone, beyond the perpendicular contour which is marked bythe cylindrical wing previously defined, of an edge or an end of theskirt; the extension is provided by a small flexible flap connected toone hand to the shell base, and on the other end to the bead as well asto the flexible skirt. The height of the flap is greater towards itsfront and towards its rear and has a value greater than that of theremainder of the skirt in the zone where the flap is connected to it sothat the flap will not prohibit preventing closing and opening of thehelmet, and will not remain at an extension point of the skirt, but canbe pulled towards the exterior of the shell where it attains a balanceposition which provides it with the appearance and the function of anair intake opening on the side of the helmet; such opening is located onthe exterior of the helmet and has the slight form of a half-conicalfrustrum with its widest radial being open towards its front. Aircaptured by this structure is taken within a fairly large conduitlocated along the outer surface of a spherical portion comprising aninner filling for the helmet, and which opens along the base of thehelmet in alignment with the extension of the air intake. Such aconduit, as it gets farther away from the helmet, is divided intoseveral orifices which open within the helmet. These orifices havediameters which increase as they extend away from the zone in which theair intake is located.

According to another embodiment, a conduit opening at the helmet shellbase is located at the outer surface of the spherical portion, extendsacross such portion, and extends towards the top of the helmet throughseveral other conduits which are located on the inner surface of thespherical portion or along the exterior portion of the foam comfortfilling which covers this portion of the sphere. In this embodiment theconduit openings on the helmet shell base can also, in accordance withthe third variation, be located along the inner surface and the base ofthe spherical portion and open as closely as possible to the air intakedescribed. The air which is conducted through these conduits is therebyharmoniously distributed over all of the inner surface of the helmetfilling. However, in order to conserve and preserve the advantage ofthis helmet, which exists in cold weather or at great speeds, for aclosed helmet (which exists in the absence of uncontrolled air), itsuffices in such circumstances to push each of the two small flexibleflaps, which are previously acted as air intake flaps, towards theinside of the helmet where they attain a second balance position. Thesecond balance position is symmetrical with the preceding balanceposition, and in this position the flaps fulfill the inverse role,insofar as they act as air deflectors and closing devices for theconduit(s) which are located in the spherical portion. It is noteworthythat the aeration apparatus in accordance with the invention (a flexibleair intake which is associated with a conduit network located in thespherical portion or in the comfort filling) can without going beyondthe scope of the present invention be attached to a helmet with a chinstrap by means by a plurality of fittings.

According to one embodiment of the helmet of the present invention, itis possible to provide a rigid or semi-rigid flap to perfect the airimpermeability of the helmet during cold weather or at high speeds. Suchflaps are formed from rigid or semi-rigid materials which slide betweenthe interface of the helmet shell and the outer face of the sphericalportion and can be lowered beyond the lower edge of the shell tofunction as air blockers and deflectors which are located between thebase of the helmet shell and the bead in the zones where the flexibleskirt insures that the connection between the bead and the helmet shellbase will be either perforated or non-existent.

According to an embodiment of a helmet formed in accordance presentinvention, if it comprises at least one rigid piece which is journalledby a hinge to the shell base, it will also be equipped with a systemwhich comprises a rigid element, e.g., a metallic wire, which forms ajournal axis for the hinge, It also forms, by extending outwardly of thehinge, either a single or a double buckle which is capable of hookingonto the anti-theft systems presently in use for motorcycle helmets.Such a buckle can equally extend, independently from the hinge throughorifices or through a conduit which is located in the helmet shell.However, once a hole is provided in a helmet shell it is necessary toprovide onerous modifications of the mold used to form the shell. It isalso necessary to provide for a split in the shell and causes air andwater permeability and tightness problems for the shell. Accordingly,the preferred embodiment of the anti-theft object of the presentinvention is characterized by the replacement of the existing journalaxis to minimize its cost and to reduce the price of the anti-theftbuckle.

According to one embodiment, the anti-theft apparatus comprises a systemhaving two buckles which form equal journal axes, and which areconnected to each other by a swivel hook. The second buckle freelyrotates and can be connected to anti-theft devices for helmets, whichare provided on all motorcycles and which are also capable of preservingthe possibility that the helmet will be oriented with respect to themotorcycle so that rain falling during a stop will not fill the helmetwith water, which would be the case with the helmet facing upwardlytowards the sky.

In order to improve the esthetic qualities of the helmet and to preventthe double anti-theft buckle system from producing a disagreeable metalclicking sound when the helmet is being used, an appropriate system isprovided to permit the buckle assembley to be immobilized and placedagainst the outer surface of the helmet when it is not in use as anantitheft device. According to one embodiment, the buckle (or buckleassembly) can clip onto a raised portion or a recess of the helmet shellor of a rigid piece journalled to the shell. This anti-theft apparatusnot only eliminates the shortcomings of previous helmets equipped withchin-strapless fastening apparatus, with ordinary helmets, but alsoimproves the apparatus insofar as the anti-theft buckle is not connectedto the helmet by an easily divisible chin strap.

In order to reduce manufacturing costs, according to one embodiment, theanti-theft buckle system also serves as a hinged journal axis and isadapted to fulfill the quadruple function of a journal axis, ananti-theft buckle, a locking system, and a safety lock blocking system.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the anti-theft bucklesystem cannot fulfill the functions of the journal axes and of theanti-theft buckle but can fulfil the function of providing a lockingsystem and a lock blocking system.

In the same vein, in order to reduce manufacturing costs, the beadformed as a single unit which is tubular and molded from rubber, has itsends treated in layers of thick rubber. A tubular frame formed frompolyamide synthetic fiber or from a semi-rigid or flexible materialwhich is resistant to traction and shearing forces is then introduced asa tubular bead, and has threaded ends, each of which receives respectivebolt sections which also serve as longitudinal abutments for the frameand which have rear surfaces which rest on each end of the rubber bead.This structure permits, during assembly, compression according to thelength of a frame on which the bead is fixed. In this fashion, a singlemanufacturing mold can be used during assembly by selecting the lengthframe which it is adapted to receive, and preadjusting the length of thebead in view of its use on a small, medium, or large size helmet.

The fundamental principle of guiding the mobile elements to permitopening of the helmet between them by using flexible frames which areintegral with one of the elements which slide within the other canequally be used to permit another type of helmet equipped with fasteningapparatus and without a chinstrap to be formed.

Thus, according to one embodiment of such a helmet, the shell extendsdownwardly and towards the center of the opening defined by the base, inthe form of a rigid two part skirt. At least one of the parts can slideover a plane which is parallel to the plane of the shell base and towardthe exterior of the base. A sufficiently thick padding is provided onthe inside of the skirt over all of its surface zones and abut the user,around whose neck it forms a collar. The connection between each slidinghalf-skirt and the base of the helmet sheel is reinforced in a closedposition by a hook located along its entire length and by the upperridge of the half-skirts which have a configuration which iscomplementary to the lower edge of the shell. In the open position andduring opening and closing of the skirts, the connection and guidingmotion between the shell base and each half-skirt is insured by twoblades which are flexibly positioned in a plane parallel to the shellbase and rigid in a curved plane extending over the surface of the shellin a manner which is substantially parallel to the lower edge of theshell and which has no other contact points with the shell except forextension points which are diametrically opposed (one on each blade) andwhich are substantially vertical to the shell base. They are eachconnected to the shell base at one end. Each blade is thus suspended atthe shell base and will have, in its balanced position, a radius ofcurvature which is greater than the radius of curvature of the loweredge of the shell, and which approaches a rectilinear shape. The lengthof each blade is substantially equal to a quarter of the perimeter ofthe lower edge of the shell, the free end of each blade tending to beconnected when the blades are brought under the lower edge of the shell.The free end of each blade is introduced into a conduit having the samecross section, to the functional sets which are located within theslideable half-skirt and which open at each of its ends. Thus, when thehalf-skirt is pulled toward the exterior of the helmet, it can slideabout the flexible blade and will disengage from the opening of theshell while still remaining attached to the shell via the intermediateblades.

In a closed position, locking can occur between any of the following:between, the ends of each flexible blade; between the ends of eachhalf-skirt; between the ends of each half-skirt and the extension of theshell carrying the blade against which they abut; between eachhalf-skirt and each flexible blade; between each half-skirt and eachflexible blade; or between each half-skirt and the shell base. Anelastic apparatus is capable of automatically opening the half-skirt assoon as unlocking occurs.

In an open position, an abutment apparatus limits the amplitude of thepath of each half-skirt and prevents the half-skirts and the flexibleblade which carry it from coming apart.

According to one embodiment, the helmet according to the presentinvention is equipped with two sliding half-skirts, each of whichoccupies, within a closed position, approximately a half-circumferenceof the shell base. In this case, the two vertical extensions which arepositioned diametrically opposite from the shell base, each carries aflexible blade which is connected to them along its central zone and hasa total length essentially equal to half of the perimeter of the shellbase, each of the free ends being introduced into one of thehalf-skirts. In the closed position the half-skirts have their endsbrought together in pairs and come to rest at each end of a respectiveshell extension.

According to another variation, the helmet formed in accordance with thepresent invention is equipped with a single sliding half-skirt whichoccupies, when in a closed position, substantially half of thecircumference of the shell base. This half-skirt is thus associated witha stationary half-skirt, which forms a shell extension, over thespherical portion and over the comfort filling, or over the sphericalportion and the comfort filling individually. It can also be associatedwith one of the apparata described above which occupies the otherhalf-circumference of the shell base, e.g., either the flexible or rigidportion.

According to another embodiment, each flexible blade can be replaced bya telescoping element or elements.

The shell assembly which extends the shell and the flexible blade can beformed as a single unit from the same material or can comprise piecesassembled which are made from different materials.

One particular embodiment occurs where the assembly of the chin part(which provides maxillary protection) on the helmet is positioned aspart of a sliding half-skirt. In this case (as well as in the situationwhere one of the half-skirts is stationary), the flexible and integralblade of the sliding half-skirt are mobile and slide along conduitslocated in the helmet shell, which is also formed as a stationaryhalf-skirt.

According to one particular embodiment of a helmet equipped with slidinghalf-skirts, the connection between the shell base of each half-skirt isformed by rod systems which are journalled in one end to one of theconnecting elements and which are able to slide, at their other end, inan appropriate groove or slot or about an axis which is located in theother element. This system is complementary or is used as a replacementfor the flexible blade system.

Other guiding systems can be imagined without going beyond the scope ofthe invention, and can be used for helmets which are equipped withfastening apparatus which comprise at least a sliding half-skirtpositioned at the helmet shell base and located along a plane which issubstantially parallel to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The list of variations described above should not be considered to beexhaustive of the present invention and should not be considered tolimit the scope of the present application. Similarly, the embodimentsof the helmet which are shown in the drawings, and which is describedhere inafter by way of non-limiting example, should not limit thepresent application. The present invention is described with inreference to the annexed drawings, in which similar reference numeralsare used to describe similar parts throughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a helmet equipped with a conventional chinstrap fastening apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a helmet equipped with a known fasteningapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of a helmet equipped with afastening apparatus formed in accordance with the present invention, andwhich is illustrated in its closed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet illustrated in FIG. 3, as shown inits open position;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a median plane of one beadend of the helmet;

FIG. 8 is a magnified bottom view of the element which is journalled tothe helmet illustrated and which includes a portion of the lockingelement as well as the flexible frame and the guiding element;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an anti-theft buckle system on the helmetwhich also serves as journal axis, a locking element, and a safetyblocking system;

FIG. 10 is a magnified bottom view of the element which is journalled tothe element illustrated in FIG. 7 on one hand, and to the helmet shellbase, on the other hand;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A--A of theelement illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view taken along line B--B of the elementillustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 13 is a top partial sectional view taken along line C--C of FIG.11;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the buckle system illustrated in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 15 is a top view of the central portion of the flexible frame andthe guiding element of the helmet of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a helmet 40 having a conventional chin strap 42 and aclosure buckle 43. Chin strap 42 exerts, at its helmet anchoring point41, a force F which is clearly offset with respect to plane U--U. Thisforce F results in a torque which, when undergoing a shock, tends tolock the helmet in the direction of arrow M, which can result in thehelmet coming off of the head of the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates a helmet 41 equipped with a known fasteningapparatus. This fastening apparatus essentially comprises a rigid skirtwhich extends downwardly from the base of shell 44 and which comprisestwo half-skirts 49 and 50, respectively, which are journalled to theshell by hinges 47 and 52. The extent of displacement of these twohalf-skirts is illustrated by arrows x and y at the ends of thehalf-skirts, as well as by the displacement of tongue 48 (which isprovided with a hook) and integrally with an end which is integral withan end of one half-skirt 49. When the helmet is subjected to removalforce F1 the flexible foam bead 51 is integral with half-skirt 50 andonly be deformed under the action of reaction of the force F1 which thechin of the user exerts upon it. As a result, an imperfect retention andlocking of the helmet will occur in a direction of arrow M1.

FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate the opening movement of the collar formedby the single bead 1 which insures retention of the helmet on the headof user. The movement illustrated occurs in a plane which issubstantially parallel to the shell base. The user activates lockingapparatus 26 and can then space the two bead ends of the journalledshell extensions, i.e. elements 2 and 3, against which they are pressedwhen the helmet is closed. Because flexible frame 4 is connected at acenter portion, at least in translation, to element 2, and because it isable to slide within its tubular bead, its opening movement can becomplete and transmitted to journalled shell extensions 2 and 3, orreciprocally by element 4. Similarly, during closure, frame 4, which ismounted concentrically to locking elements 28, which it crosseslongitudinally, and to locking element 35, in which it slides, insurescoincidence between cooperating bolt sections 28 and 35.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the manner in which the ventilation ofthe helmet can be assured. Air is captured by air intake 8 and flows inconduit 9 which is provided along the exterior surface of a sphericalportion 10 contained in shell 11 (see FIG. 3). This conduit opens alongthe base of a spherical portion in alignment with air intake 8,spherical portion 10 extending along the rear portion of the helmet fromthe lower edge of shell 11. Air is then distributed among a plurality ofconduits 12, having cross sectional areas smaller than that of conduit10, and which extend the interior of the helmet via orifices 13, whichare provided at the beginning portion of conduits 12 along the thicknessof spherical portion 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates how each of air inlets 8 and 8; as well as a flexibleflap which extends downwardly from flexible and elastic skirt 18, can beused as deflectors and air blocking elements 8' by pushing them towardsthe interior of the helmet. Flexible flaps 14 and 14', when pressedagainst the internal surface of shell 11, will slide between theinterior surface of the shell and the exterior surface of sphericalportion 10. When they are moved they serve as a deflectors, and a airblocks element between the shell base and the bead in zones in whichskirt 18 does not exist. As illustrated in the drawings, these flapsslide between shell 11 and spherical portion 10 within the chin holder,and each passes through a slot 19 or 19' which is provided across anedge of the shell base of the helmet in a direction which issubstantially perpendicular to the surface of the helmet and which isturned towards the interior of the helmet. They are similarly guided byprotrusions 15 and 16, which are provided on the interior surface of theshell between which they slide. The upper portion of each flap issubstantially enlarged, up to a value which is greater than the lengthof either of slots 19 or 19' and which abuts against the upper surfaceof the edge of the shell in order to limit the amount of displacement ofeach flap and to prevent the accidental retraction of the flap from theshell. Similarly, the displacement of the flap upwardly is limited by anedge of the lower portion of the flap. This edge also serves as amaneuvering and deflecting element. Each flap 14 and 14' is formed froma rigid or semi-rigid synthetic material.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flexible skirt 18 which is formed from moldedrubber (as is bead 1). The bead and skirt are illustrated drawn in atransparent fashion, although they are not transparent materials, inorder to make it possible to view the metallic wires which reinforcethem along their height, and which wrap about the bead portion. Thesewires are positioned in the plane of rings about the skirt, but couldalso form S's. In order to preserve the elasticity of the skirt it isimportant that they are not rectilinear. They are embedded duringmolding within the thickness of the skirt and similarly can be attachedalong the back portion of the inner surface of the skirt. Jornalledelement 2 is formed from a rigid synthetic molded material. The surfaceof this journalled element, which faces the exterior of the helmet andwhich is shown in FIG. 8, has a plurality of hollow semi-cylindricalgrooves 20 which make it possible to lodge or partially lodge orposition metallic strands, e.g., buckle 26 as illustrated in FIG. 9,therein. Protrusion 21 forms a type of a hook in which a correspondingportion of a metallic buckle can itself be lodged. In effect, theassembly of elements which is illustrated as being isolated can beattached. The rectilinear portion of buckle 26, as shown in FIG. 9,comprises a journal axis which permits connection between elements 2 and3, each of which carries a complementary hinged portion 23 and 23',respectively. Two small springs, in the shape of hair pins (which arenot illustrated) are mounted about this axis at each of its ends.These/springs rest at one end, on the two main branchs of buckle 26, andat their other end against element 2 in order to maintain buckleassembly 22 and 26 pressed in abutment against element 2. Spring 30,which is illustrated in fine lines in FIG. 9 (and which is notillustrated in FIG. 14), maintains buckle 22 in abutment against buckle26. Buckle 22 thus abuts the top portion of protrustion 21, in order toprevent buckle 22 from wholly coming to rest on throats 20 located inelement 2. For this reason, it is important for one to pull buckle 22 bycompressing spring 30 in order that protrusion 21 will be positioned inthe middle of buckle 22, and so that it will not resist or preventmovement of buckle 26. Two wings are formed by buckle 22 on both sidesof axis 39, and are folded so that they form projections 31 and 31' (seeFIGS. 9 and 14) which slide on and are elastically deformed by the twobranches of buckle 26. When buckle 22 is pulled and its projections arepositioned on the outside of buckle 26, they form obstacles whichcounter and resist the force of spring 30, to prevent the return ofbuckle 22 against buckle 26. In this position, buckle 26 can to restagainst element 2, tongues 27 and 27' (which are formed by buckle 26)thus passing through slots 32 and 32' in order to ensure that the helmetwill be locked in the closed position and that it will be lodged withingrooves 34 and 34' of both sections of 35 and 35', which are integralwith each end of bead 1, when they are introduced into female cylinders28 and 28'. These female cylinders are reinforced by metallic inserts 38and 38' of element 2. Once locking is accomplished, the user can pullbuckle 22 towards buckle 26. Protrusions 31 and 31' will enter theinterior of buckle 26, and buckle 22 will engage the hook formed byprojection 21, whereby spring 30 will prohibit the projection fromcoming out without the intervention of the user. As a result, buckle 22being integral with buckle 26, it will be impossible to space the bucklefrom element 2 and similarly to proceed with unlocking, thus making itpossible to open the helmet. In order for a user to open his helmet, hemust pull buckle 22 until it leaves hook 21 and until projections 31 and31' extend to the exterior of buckle 26, thereafter exerting a force onbuckle 26 which will space it from element 2.

Further, when the element is not being used, it will be possible tospace both buckles 22 and 26 from element 2 and to pass buckle 22through the anti-theft hook which is provided on all modern motorcycles,so the user will not have to carry the helmet with him.

Flexible frame 4 is partially illustrated in FIG. 15 and is shown as anelastic metallic element, e.g., a metallic piano type chord. Itscentered zone is rectilinear and is introduced into conduit 33 ofelement 2. On both sides of this rectilinear portion two branches of theframe are bent; thereafter, they are again rectilinear over a lengthwhich is substantially equal to the length of cylinders 28 and 28', inorder to confuse their axes with the cylinders in the zone where thesebranches traverse. Beyond these lengths, the two branches of frame 4 arebent along a radius of curvature which is substantially equal to theradius of curvature of the bead in its open position. This is in orderthat when the unlocking of the bead has begun to occur, the brancheswill tend to automatically open the bead.

The total length of the frame is slightly less than the perimeter of theclosed bead, and its ends are rounded only to facilitate their slidingwithin the bead. Bead 1 is formed of molded rubber together with skirt18, and upon leaving the mold has a single length used for all helmetsizes. On the other hand, the polyamide synthetic fiber 36 has adifferent length for each helmet size. In fact, the manufacturer, at thetime of assembly, selects an adequate length frame 36, introduces itinto bead 1, and attaches a bolt section 35 to each of its ends. Atubular portion has a central conduit with a diameter equal to that ofthe polyamide synthetic fiber. Screwing the bolt section on frame 36 oncompresses bead 1, which is treated at its end with layers of thickrubber and which can therefore undergo such compression without damageuntil it reaches the desired length, element 35 being completely screwedin at that point. It is possible to block these elements by pushing backthe ends of frame 36 in grooves 37, which are provided for such purposein element 35.

The thus completed bead flap assembly is then mounted on the helmet.Each end of flexible frame 4 is already mounted in element 2 and thenengaged in a respective bead end 35. Thereafter, element 3 and the shellbase are connected by introducing a cylindrical journalled axis. Thehelmet shell is then ready for operation and use.

In all of the figures referred to above, and for greater clarity in thedrawings, the padding portions which cover the entire inner surface ofthe bead are not shown. Similarly, the interior surfaces of elements 2and 3 are each covered with padding portions 3' and 2', respectively,which are visible only in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6. It should be noted that thescope of the present application should in no case be limited to theembodiment described herein purely by way of illustration.

I claim:
 1. A protective motorcycle helmet including a retentionapparatus for enhancing the position and maintenance of said helmet on auser, said apparatus comprising:(a) a helmet shell having a base and anopening positioned along said base; (b) a collar which is substantiallyconcentric with said shell base opening, said collar having a constantcircumference when said helmet is locked in a closed position and beingopened along at least one portion of said circumference to permit saidhelmet to be positioned on the head of the user and removed from thehead of the user; and (c) at least one flexible element connected tosaid helmet shell, said element having first and second ends and beingconnected at one end to said helmet shell and at said second end to saidcollar, said flexible element extending from at least one portion ofsaid circumference of said collar, said at least one flexible elementconnecting said collar to said base and comprising means for absorbing ashock exerted on a section of said collar which causes relative movementof said collar with respect to said helmet shell.
 2. A protective helmetin accordance with claim 1 wherein said collar is flexible.
 3. Aprotective helmet in accordance with claim 1 wherein said collar issemi-rigid.
 4. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid collar is rigid.
 5. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1comprising a plurality of flexible elements positioned about thecircumference of said helmet shell base.
 6. A protective helmet inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said collar is formed from a flexibleand elastic material having a flexible core, said collar having firstand second ends, each of said first and second collar ends comprising aplurality of layers of thick rubber.
 7. A protective helmet inaccordance with claim 6 further comprising at least one flexible framecomprising means for facilitating opening and closing of said collar,said frame being adapted to specially slide within a hollow portion ofsaid collar.
 8. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 7 whereinsaid frame is attached to one end of said collar.
 9. A protective helmetin accordance with claim 1 wherein said frame comprises two membersattached to each other telescopically, said helmet further comprising anabutment apparatus which comprises means for preventing said two frameelements from separating, said abutment apparatus comprising a springwhich when relaxed retains said frames in a stationalry rest position.10. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1 wherein said collarcomprises a plurality of sections which are adapted to occupy a restposition in which they are positioned in abutting end to endrelationship when the helmet is closed and which are adapted to beseparated from each other when said collar is open to permit thepositioning of the helmet on a user and the removal of a helmet from auser.
 11. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1 furthercomprising a locking system attached to one end of said collar, saidlocking system being adapted to cooperate with a complementarily shapedportion attached to the second end of said means.
 12. A protectivehelmet in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a locking systemattached to one end of said collar, said locking system being adapted tocooperate with a complementarily shaped portion attached to one end of aflexible frame.
 13. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1further comprising a locking system attached to one end of said collar,said locking system being adapted to cooperate with a complementarilyshaped portion attached to an extension journalled on said shell.
 14. Aprotective helmet in accordance with claim 1 further comprising alocking system attached to one end of said collar, said locking systembeing adapted to cooperate with a complementarily shaped portionattached to an extension point flexibly attached to said shell.
 15. Aprotective helmet in accordance with claim 7 wherein an end of saidflexible frame cooperates with a complementarily shaped section attachedto a second end of said frame.
 16. A protective helmet in accordancewith claim 15 wherein a portion of each of said locking apparatuscomprises a male cylinder including a circular groove and a beveledportion.
 17. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 16 furthercomprising a female cylinder adapted to cooperate with said malecylinder, said female cylinder being attached to a second portion ofsaid locking apparatus and comprising a transverse slot adapted toreceive a spring-biased tongue, whereby when said spring-biased tongueis inserted into said groove of said male cylinder it comprises meansfor preventing said male and female cylinders from being separated. 18.A protective helmet in accordance with claim 17 wherein said tongueextends to the exterior of said female cylinder and wherein said maleand female cylinders are adapted to be separated by pulling said tonguefrom said groove.
 19. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1wherein said collar has a flexible core and further comprising means forconnecting said first and second ends of said collar which have tubularbolts attached thereto for connecting said first and second collar ends.20. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1 wherein said helmetshell base is attached to said collar by an elastic, flexible flapcomprising an extension of said helmet shell base.
 21. A protectivehelmet in accordance with claim 20 wherein said flap is solid.
 22. Aprotective helmet in accordance with claim 20 wherein said flap isperforated.
 23. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 20 whereinsaid flap comprises a unitary member.
 24. A protective helmet inaccordance with claim 20 wherein said flap comprises a plurality ofattached sections.
 25. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 20wherein said flap includes at least one flexible elastic reinforcement.26. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 25 wherein saidflexible and elastic reinforcing elements comprise material ribbons. 27.A protective helmet in accordance with claim 29 wherein said reinforcingelements comprise a plurality of flexible metallic wires connecting saidhelmet base to said collar over a non-rectilinear path.
 28. A protectivehelmet in accordance with claim 20 wherein said flexible flap extendsalong the exterior of said shell over the entire outer peripheral sufaceof said shell.
 29. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 20wherein said collar and said shell base are connected to each other atat least one point by at least one flexible element.
 30. A protectivehelmet in accordance with claim 29 wherein said flexible elementcomprises a material ribbon.
 31. A protective helmet in accordance withclaim 29 wherein said collar and said shell base are attached to eachother by an assembly of rigid pieces journalled to each other andjournalled to said shell base.
 32. A protective helmet in accordancewith claim 1 wherein the height of said collar with respect to theheight of said shell base is adjustable, wherein said collar and saidshell base are attached to each other by a plurality of adjustableconnecting elements.
 33. A protective helmet in accordance with claim 1wherein the circumference of said collar is adjustable in accordancewith the individual morphology of the user.
 34. A protective helmet inaccordance with claim 1 further comprising at least one air inlet formedby a small flexible flap opening towards the front of said helmet andwhich is adapted to be pushed inwardly of said helmet.
 35. A protectivehelmet in accordance with claim 34 wherein said valve also comprises anair deflectgor and blocker when it is pushed toward the inner surface ofsaid helmet to cover an aperture in said helmet.
 36. A protective helmetin accordance with claim 34 further comprising a spherical portionhaving a plurality of conduits therein, said spherical portion beingpositioned within said shell.
 37. A protective helmet in accordance withclaim 36 further comprising at least one flap slidably positionedbetween an inner surface of said shell and an exterior surface of saidspherical portion, said inner and exterior surfaces together defining aguide for said sliding motion of said rigid flap, said flap comprisingmeans for deflecting and blocking air when it is lowered outside of saidshell and means for permitting reinforcement of said skirt when it isretracted in said shell.
 38. A protective helmet in accordance withclaim 37 wherein said flap is rigid.
 39. A protective helmet inaccordance with claim 37 wherein said flap is semi-rigid.
 40. Aprotective helmet in accordance with claim 1 further comprising ananti-theft device comprising at least one metallic buckle systemincorporating two metallic buckles attached to each other by a swivelhook, each one of said buckles being formed by a rectilinear section ofmetallic wire which also serves as the journal axis for a hinge attachedto said helmet shell.
 41. A protective helmet in accordance with claim40 wherein each of said metallic wires comprises means for locking saidbuckles to each other and for preventing locking of said buckles.